Michael Mancuso, The TimesCommuters make their way through a crowded parking lot toward the Princeton Junction Train Station in the early morning in this 2007 file photo

WEST WINDSOR — Seeking to ease the chronic shortage of parking at the Princeton Junction Train Station, Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh has unveiled a proposal for a new commuter parking lot that would accommodate 650 vehicles.

Hsueh has noted that creating more parking is essential now that the InterCap transit village plan is likely to move forward. InterCap plans to build 800 housing units and create 100,000 square feet of retail space at Washington Road.

While demand for parking at the train station far exceeds supply, and commuters must wait for years to obtain reserved parking, Hsueh said West Windsor residents would go to the head of the line for the new parking spaces.

“We’ll definitely make sure West Windsor residents have preference and pay a more reasonable amount,” said Hsueh.

The new township-owned parking lot would be at Alexander Road, across from Old Bear Brook Road, and adjacent to the West Windsor Vaughn Drive parking lot.

The property was once used as a landfill, and Hsueh said the state Department of Environmental Protection has found minimal evidence of contamination.

The township and parking authority are drafting a lease agreement that would allow the parking authority to construct the parking lot. Unlike other parking projects, Hsueh said the parking authority will share revenue with the township.

“The major focus we’ve had for years is West Windsor residents are on a waiting list to try and get parking — right in their own community. This will alleviate that,” said business administrator, Robert Hary.

There are three major lots regulated by the parking authority near the Princeton Junction train station. According to the parking authority, the current Vaughn Drive lot requires a two- to three-year wait, the Alexander Road lot has a five-year waiting list, and Wallace Drive has a stunning eight-year waiting list.

The planning board will review the new parking lot concept plan in November. If plans run smoothly, Hsueh said groundbreaking could come as early as spring 2012, with the project completed by fall 2012.